Title: The development of a seismic vulnerability assessment methodology for contemporary loadbearing masonry buildings in the Maltese Islands

Authors: Alex Torpiano; Marc Bonello; Ruben Paul Borg; Petra Sapiano; Ann M. Ellul

Addresses: Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Faculty for the Built Environment, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida MSD 2080, Malta ' Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Faculty for the Built Environment, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida MSD 2080, Malta ' Department of Construction and Property Management, Faculty for the Built Environment, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida MSD 2080, Malta ' Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Faculty for the Built Environment, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida MSD 2080, Malta ' Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, Faculty for the Built Environment, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq, Msida MSD 2080, Malta

Abstract: This study focuses on the development of a seismic vulnerability assessment method adapted for use on the contemporary loadbearing masonry building typology present in the Maltese Islands. This assessment methodology refers to existing vulnerability assessment methodologies, preand post-earthquake survey methods and manuals developed for different Italian regions. The methodology refers to seismic vulnerability characteristics present in the building typology under study. The method was tested in a pilot study in Msida and then in the test sites of Xemxija and Nadur covering 183 individual buildings. The assessment was carried out through site surveys and information extracted from the Development Permit Drawings. FEMA 154 and a GNDT level II seismic vulnerability evaluation were carried out to assess the differences between the methods when these are applied to the typology analysed and also to assess the merits of the proposed new method developed for the Maltese Islands.

Keywords: seismic vulnerability assessment; load bearing masonry; assessment forms; masonry buildings; Malta; Maltese Islands; earthquakes.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMSS.2016.078729

International Journal of Sustainable Materials and Structural Systems, 2016 Vol.2 No.3/4, pp.283 - 307

Received: 25 Jun 2015
Accepted: 26 Feb 2016
Published online: 01 Sep 2016 *

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